Kevin Cherep will bring visionary and transformational leadership to Chicago’s largest independent youth and family services organization

CHICAGO, Aug. 7, 2017— Chicago Youth Centers (CYC) is pleased to announce that Kevin Cherep, the organization’s new president and chief executive officer, is starting his new role on Monday, Aug. 7, 2017.

Cherep will primarily be based at CYC-Central Office, 218 S. Wabash Ave.

He was selected as CYC’s new head in mid-July after an exhaustive four-month search conducted by the CYC Board of Directors, following the departure of former President and CEO Barbara Mosacchio in March.

“We received an overwhelming response to the job opening and feel fortunate to have had such a rich pool of applicants,” said Daniel Feeney, chair of the CYC Board of Directors. “We are confident that Kevin’s experience, knowledge, and passion are a great match for the staff, stakeholders, and – most importantly – the kids of CYC. Together, we will work to advance our mission and ensure that Chicago’s children receive the tools, experiences, and opportunities needed to find a path up and out of poverty and violence.”

As a veteran in the non-profit sector, Cherep has tackled large and systemic social problems like access to healthcare, global poverty, and global health issues.

Cherep served as the Chief of Global Development for the International Association of Lions Clubs prior to joining CYC. He managed three international offices, led the development of a global strategic plan, and oversaw all service programming and government advocacy efforts.

Before his work with Lions, Cherep was the Chief Development and Marketing Officer at Soles4Souls and the Executive Director of Foundations of Saint Thomas Health.

Cherep studied non-profit management at DePaul University and is involved in several professional associations, including the American Society of Fund Raising Professionals and the American Society of Association Executives.

Cherep said he looks forward to bringing his insight and perspective to CYC as he develops a vision for the future of the 61-year-old organization.

“Every day at CYC, in the eyes of each child we serve, we see firsthand the impact of our efforts,” Cherep said. “That makes me incredibly excited. I will tirelessly focus my efforts on sharing our story and message, building strong relationships and partnerships, and increasing revenue to continuously deepen the difference we make.”

About Chicago Youth Centers (CYC): For more than 2,000 children ages 3-18, CYC is where possibility lives. CYC provides youth in Chicago’s underserved communities with the tools and resources needed to achieve success in the 21st century. Through its seven neighborhood Centers and community partner sites that offer out-of-school time programs, CYC creates opportunities for experiential learning, so youth are empowered to persist in school and develop employable skills. At CYC, youth discover their potential and ultimately enter a pathway to upward mobility. Learn more at www.chicagoyouthcenters.org, on Twitter @ChicagoCYC, and Facebook.com/ChicagoYouthCenters.